CJI Announces Major Changes to Legal Aid Defence Counsel System After Meeting with Bar Council Delegation
The Voice of Chandigarh News
The Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana today led a delegation of Bar leaders from Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal Pradesh to meet the Hon’ble Mr Justice Surya Kant, Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and Hon’ble Mr Justice Vikram Nath, Hon’ble Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), at the Supreme Court of India regarding the ongoing concerns surrounding the Legal Aid Defence Counsel System (LADCS).
During the meeting, Members of the Bar Council and representatives of various Bar Associations placed before the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and the Hon’ble Executive Chairman, NALSA, the serious concerns of the legal fraternity regarding the adverse impact of the existing LADCS framework on the independent Bar. The delegation reiterated the resolutions earlier adopted by the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana seeking a review and restructuring of the scheme in the larger interest of both the legal profession and access to justice.
The Bar Council expresses its gratitude to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India for patiently hearing the delegation and for responding positively to the concerns raised.
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India announced that no fresh appointments of Legal Aid Defence Counsels will be made after September 2026. It was further announced that the allocation of legal aid cases would thereafter be made by the District & Sessions Judges to members of the Bar in consultation with the Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana and the concerned Bar Associations, until a new framework is put in place.
The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India also indicated that a fresh scheme would be formulated after due consultation, balancing the interests of the legal fraternity while ensuring effective and accessible legal aid for the public.
The Bar Council of Punjab & Haryana welcomes this significant and constructive development and conveys its sincere appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, the Hon’ble Executive Chairman, NALSA, the Bar Council of India, and all Bar Associations and advocates whose united efforts contributed to this positive outcome. The Council remains committed to working with all stakeholders to evolve a legal aid system that strengthens access to justice while preserving the independence, dignity and sustainability of the legal profession.